Gas prices in Central New York are slightly lower this week, following a national trend of declining fuel costs. AAA Western & Central New York reports that the statewide average for regular gas is now $3.15 per gallon, down two cents from last week. The national average sits at $3.10 per gallon, a four-cent drop from last Monday.
In Central New York, prices vary by location:
- Syracuse: $3.15 (down 1 cent)
- Rome: $3.33 (down 1 cent)
- Ithaca: $3.18 (down 5 cents)
- Watertown: $3.16 (down 3 cents)
Gas prices remain lower than this time last year, when New Yorkers paid an average of $3.32 per gallon. Analysts expect prices to stay steady in the coming weeks as seasonal refinery maintenance concludes and crude oil prices remain between $70 and $74 per barrel.
For diesel users, the national average dropped to $3.65 per gallon, while New York’s diesel average remains unchanged at $3.97. Meanwhile, electric vehicle (EV) charging rates at public stations have held steady at 34 cents per kilowatt-hour for nearly seven months.
AAA advises drivers to conserve fuel by planning routes efficiently, avoiding rush hour, and keeping tires properly inflated.